Goffstown football clinches playoff berth with win over Manchester Central
GOFFSTOWN – At the conclusion of the Goffstown High School football team’s 21-10 victory over Manchester Central, coach Justin Hufft beamed with pride.
“I am really proud of this team,” the Grizzlies coach said. “We battled all season. This is a young team filled with sophomores and juniors, and after graduating 20 seniors I am proud of my guys for getting back (to the playoffs).”
In a state such as New Hampshire with many lopsided victories by playoff teams, Goffstown has remained steady, winning close games. The Grizzlies largest margin of victory is 21 points, and Saturday afternoon’s home contest was no exception.
Goffstown was in a difficult position to start the game as it fumbled the opening kickoff, but the Grizzlies’ defense made the first of many stands, forcing a turnover on downs.
The scoring in the game opened up after with a 28-yard touchdown pass from senior captains Nik Moquin and Franklin Castillo-Diaz with 3:05 remaining in the first quarter. That allowed Goffstown to establish the pace and the tone of the remainder of the game.
On the ensuing Central drive, the Little Green were able to get their first score on a field goal from senior kicker Zach Elliot. The key play on this drive was a 26-yard run by sophomore quarterback Alex Hawkom.
Central moved back and forth at quarterback between Hawkom and senior Andrew Destefano, but in the second half the Green went primarily with Hawkom.
“Both kids are great kids, but Hawkom’s quickness we felt was important,” Central coach Ryan Ray said. That decision helped as Hawkom had two long designed runs.
After a Goffstown interception deep into Central territory late in the second quarter, the Grizzlies went on a drive led by junior halfback Carter Cormier. Cormier was responsible for every yard gained in a brief 1:48 drive. Some of the yards were also from his first ever career pass. The drive was capped off by a Cormier 7-yard TD run.
In an attempt to respond, Central had a quick three-and-out. But the Little Green were quickly able to change the momentum. With 36 seconds left in the half, senior Zach Minch intercepted Moquin and scored a touchdown, making the score 14-10 at intermission.
The second half was dominated by defenses.
“My defense did a great job,” Ray said. “Goffstown is a talented team with a lot of skill.”
On the other hand, Goffstown’s defense only gave up three points, and the Central defense finally wore down with three minutes left, when Goffstown used the combination of Moquin and Castillo-Diaz for a second touchdown.
That made the game 21-10 and sealed a playoff berth for the Grizzlies. Goffstown will host Salem on Saturday, while the Little Green travel to Pinkerton.
